Monday, June 21, 2010

Morauta condemns Marat assassination plot

Leader of the Opposition Sir Mekere Morauta has described the alleged assassination plot against former Attorney General and Rabaul MP Dr Allan Marat as a most-worrying development in Papua New Guinea politics.

Sir Mekere has called on the police and all relevant state law-enforcing agencies to urgently investigate the matter.

He expressed concern that the apparent plot to kill Dr Marat was linked to Dr Marat’s statements against the Government, exposing corruption and criticising certain aspects of the multi-billion kina PNG LNG and Ramu Nickel.

“It is a very serious and frightening development if the Government or its agents are using such measures to silence critics.

“The revelation of an assassination plot against Dr Allan Marat should not be taken lightly. It is a very serious matter that demands most immediate and appropriate action by relevant state agencies.

“Why should elected leaders who speak their mind freely on issues of national importance be subject to threats?” the former prime minister asked.

“This is a serious matter. It involves life and death. Therefore it calls for immediate police action to investigate and establish the validity of the assassination plot and take immediate measures to both counter it and deal with any perpetrators,” Sir Mekere said.

“At the same time I urge leaders not to be deterred by such tactics. They should strengthen our resolve to expose the evils of the current Government, not silence us.”

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